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    Greetings,

    I need some advice or guideline on how to achieve some microsoft certifications as a beginner in the IT field.

    I've read and learned from other similar questions found in the forum but I'm still unclear on where to start. For the past 2 years, I have been working with computers such as windows installation and configuration, upgrades (ram, hard drive etc), troubleshooting network problems, virus removal, intermediate understanding of microsoft office programs, even to the extent of building a few  desktop computers on my own. Ever since I started messing with computers 2 yrs ago; I have gotten attached to it and would like to be certified respectively.

    For some weeks now, I have been looking at a few microsoft certifications to pursue. So far, I'm considering starting off with MCDST, and other related certifications that may be of importance.

    My question now is this : Is MCDST a good start for me? Since I have more experience working with desktop computers. I am studying criminal justice in college for now, and paying for tuition out of my pocket has not been easy. Therefore, I'll like to obtain a certification that would land me a descent job along the way. When I'm not in school; I fix peoples computers both on hand and over the phone. This also helps in taking care of some bills.

    I definitely can't afford an instructor led training, I've compared the prices from one location to the other and it's just way over my budget. Any advice or input is greatly appreciated.

     

    Thanks,

    Kevin

    Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:01 AM

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    Hi Kevin ,

    If you have no MCPs, then you are starting from a very different place than someone with an MCSE.

     

    I'll assume you are fresh, no previous experience.

    I will suggest you that first of all take basic knowledge about Microsoft Platform so for this you need to get Active Directory Certification which is the base of every product from Microsoft.

    It requies 640 642 and 646 for Server Administrator and 640, 642, 643, 647 and a client, either 680 or 620. (Ignore the MS page, it is horribly written.) Enterprise Administrator

    So by getting EA, you will get SA as well. If you do the SA requirements first, then you have a nice milestone on your way to getting EA.

     

    I would say you should do the exams in this order:

    640 - Active Directory, a good exam to start with, nice and easy to study.

    642 - Network Infrastructure.

    646 - Pro exam. Study (Server Administrator)

    MCITP:SA Achieved!!!

    643 - Applications. Middle-to-hard, depending on your experience. Study up, and no worries.

    680 - Windows 7. Client exam. Get a copy installed, play with it, break it, reinstall it, break it some more. The best way to learn.

    647 - Pro exam. Study (Enterprise Administrator)

    MCITP:EA Achieved!!!

    Find another certification to aim for, and study that. Keep repeating.

     

    I hope it will help you.

     

    Regards.

     

    Shafaquat Ali.

    M.C.I.T.P Exchange 2007 M.C.I.T.P Windows Server 2008 M.C.T.S OCS Server 2007 R2
    Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:47 AM
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    Kevin

     

    If you're familiar with the basics of computers and networking, go for the 70-680 exam first.  If not, consider the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications to gain some basic knowledge.

     

    As to training, working through the MS Press book for 70-680 should give you the knowledge and skills to pass the exam.  You'll need a computer with at least Windows 7 Professional on it.  From there, completing 70-686 to earn the MCITP Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Administrator would be the next step.  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsclient.aspx#tab3

    Personally, I'd skip anything to do with XP since it's almost at the end of its product lifecycle, and many companies are now adopting Win7. and Server 2008.

    Thursday, June 24, 2010 1:43 PM
    Answerer

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    Hi Kevin ,

    If you have no MCPs, then you are starting from a very different place than someone with an MCSE.

     

    I'll assume you are fresh, no previous experience.

    I will suggest you that first of all take basic knowledge about Microsoft Platform so for this you need to get Active Directory Certification which is the base of every product from Microsoft.

    It requies 640 642 and 646 for Server Administrator and 640, 642, 643, 647 and a client, either 680 or 620. (Ignore the MS page, it is horribly written.) Enterprise Administrator

    So by getting EA, you will get SA as well. If you do the SA requirements first, then you have a nice milestone on your way to getting EA.

     

    I would say you should do the exams in this order:

    640 - Active Directory, a good exam to start with, nice and easy to study.

    642 - Network Infrastructure.

    646 - Pro exam. Study (Server Administrator)

    MCITP:SA Achieved!!!

    643 - Applications. Middle-to-hard, depending on your experience. Study up, and no worries.

    680 - Windows 7. Client exam. Get a copy installed, play with it, break it, reinstall it, break it some more. The best way to learn.

    647 - Pro exam. Study (Enterprise Administrator)

    MCITP:EA Achieved!!!

    Find another certification to aim for, and study that. Keep repeating.

     

    I hope it will help you.

     

    Regards.

     

    Shafaquat Ali.

    M.C.I.T.P Exchange 2007 M.C.I.T.P Windows Server 2008 M.C.T.S OCS Server 2007 R2
    Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:47 AM
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    You can check Microsoft Certifications by Technology here - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/view-by-technology.aspx

    and Certifications by Name here - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/view-by-name.aspx

    MCDST also works perfect for you but dont miss the other ones. You can do a lot better. It basically depends on your Interest and Needs. WHat is the best you can do ? Windows, Office, Dynamics, Server, Security or something else?

    I would simply suggest you to start with Windows and Office and then head on to Security and for being a great expert go for Developer tools and web apps.

    If you think its all put of your budget Create Online Training here http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/lcds.aspx or you can also search for course books at other sites for free download instead of purchasing them.

    So do it the good way and get the most out of it. Good luck.

    CREATING SOMETHING CREATIVE. http://karankash.webs.com
    • Proposed as answer by Karan Kashyap Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:51 AM
    Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:51 AM
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    I'd say start with what you know - if you support Windows XP then give the MCDST a go, I'd then say go with something like the Windows 7 MCTS exams.

    Personaly I was in the same palce as you a few months ago and went right into 7 (might do XP at some point) but also have done the CompTIA exam which should be just as relevent for you.

    Thursday, June 24, 2010 12:53 PM
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    Kevin

     

    If you're familiar with the basics of computers and networking, go for the 70-680 exam first.  If not, consider the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications to gain some basic knowledge.

     

    As to training, working through the MS Press book for 70-680 should give you the knowledge and skills to pass the exam.  You'll need a computer with at least Windows 7 Professional on it.  From there, completing 70-686 to earn the MCITP Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Administrator would be the next step.  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsclient.aspx#tab3

    Personally, I'd skip anything to do with XP since it's almost at the end of its product lifecycle, and many companies are now adopting Win7. and Server 2008.

    Thursday, June 24, 2010 1:43 PM
    Answerer
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    Hi Ali,


    Thanks for the information you provided. I'll definitely look into each of those exams as outlined. Your advice is well appreciated. I have to start planning and preparing for now, thanks!

    Saturday, June 26, 2010 5:47 AM
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    Hi Kevin,

    As Ali suggested , you can go for certifications in Server Administration or Enterprise Administration hoping you are aware off basic networking and desktop concepts.

    Firstly, if you have a computer @ home then please install the required softwares into your computer.(Windows Server 2008)

    Secondly, you can buy the self training kit and start working or practicing on your computer with the help of examples in the book n exercises which is more than enough to gain some practical experience and also you can pass the above exams.

    Thirdly , i can understand its difficult for you to spare time because as you said you are working part time to pay your tuition fees. So my suggestion is plan things , spare at least some hours for practicing which will help you in understanding the concepts clearly and also you will end up in a decent job.

    All the Best for your future and Hard Work pays you one day ..... :) So keep working hard......

    Let us know if you need any further clarification....

    Note : please vote if you find this article as helpful.

    Regards,

    Tech_Scorpio

    Monday, June 28, 2010 4:24 PM
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    Yeah start with 640 and follow the path from there
    Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7:29 PM
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    I am M.Tech in Computer Science engg student .I am very much intersetd in windows asdministartion and RHCE exam .

     

    Please guide me about Windows ADministartion ....MCSE 2003 ,2008 ?

     

    Friday, August 6, 2010 6:27 PM
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    well i just gave 70-270 i want to do mcsa. What next exams i must complete to become so? Well i mean what will be easy
    Sunday, August 8, 2010 10:53 AM
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    well i just gave 70-270 i want to do mcsa. What next exams i must complete to become so? Well i mean what will be easy
    Sunday, August 8, 2010 10:54 AM
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    well i just gave 70-270 i want to do mcsa. What next exams i must complete to become so? Well i mean what will be easy
    Sunday, August 8, 2010 10:54 AM
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    for mcsa u can give 70-290,291,284. These xams are similar to 270 so it will help u a lot.
    WANT TO BE DA VINCI OF TODAYS WORLD
    • Proposed as answer by ashish_chandra Tuesday, August 10, 2010 2:22 PM
    Sunday, August 8, 2010 11:26 AM
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    can you please give the links to download e-books or send to me on my email ... It will be really helpful..

    thanks in advance

    Tuesday, August 10, 2010 2:23 PM
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    If you're asking to be provided illegal links, then this will get you banned.  If you're looking for e-books, purchase them from Amazon or B&N.
    Tuesday, August 10, 2010 3:42 PM
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    Checking this forum i came on this topic. I nearly can place my situation 1:1 onto the topic starter with the difference i allready support (payed) hardware (clientside) in a buisiness environment.

    My skills are self learned and only based on experiences and i like to certify myself now. Same as the topic starter i was thinking about MSDST since that is my "core buisiness" atm.

    problem i have with it (i think) is that it's based on Win XP. On 1 side: all of my clients still use this OS so maybe it is the logical path.
    On the other side: we are at 7 at this time and therefor maybe it's a waste of my time (and money) to still invest in an "old" certificate.

    Can you all give any comments on this?

    The path mentioned above is also interesting (Shafaquat Ali) and i will have a look at that 1 also.

     

    In the meen time im very interested what decisions the TS has made regarding his (and so my) question.

    Thursday, September 9, 2010 9:58 AM
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    Here is an article that should be a starting point for those looking for guidance on Microsoft Certification - Microsoft Certifications - What why and how.

    Thanks

    Sheo Narayan If this post helped, please "Propose As Answer"
    Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:47 PM